Last April, the long-awaited (and controversial) Silvertown Tunnel finally opened to vehicles. It was the first sub-Thames tunnel to be built in 30 years and aimed to reduce pollution and ease congestion. The only catch was drivers had to pay a fee to use it.
And with the launch of Silvertown also came the introduction of toll charges at the nearby Blackwall Tunnel, which had been free to use since it opened in 1897. TfL said that the charges at both tunnels were to fund their upkeep and to discourage drivers from using one over the other.
Now, the cost of travelling through Blackwall and Silvertown is going up. Christina Calderato, director of strategy at TfL, said: ‘Without the tunnel user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, with negative impacts on air quality and journey times.
‘A small increase to the tunnel user charges to account for inflation would ensure the user charge remains at the right level to manage traffic demand at the tunnels and achieve the project’s other objectives effectively.’ Here’s what we know about the price increase.
When will the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels get more expensive?
TfL has confirmed that the price of driving through the tunnels will go up on Monday September 21.
How much will the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels cost?
The fees are different according to times and types of vehicles. Peak toll charges for cars and small vans going northbound between 6am and 10am and southbound between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays will rise from £4 to £4.20. Off-peak charges will increase by 5p to £1.55. Standard off-peak charges for motorbikes and mopeds will rise to £1.55 while peak prices will rise from £2.50 to £2.60.
Large vans will have to start paying £6.80 at peak times (up from £6.50) and £2.60 instead of £2.50 at off-peak. For heavy goods vehicles, the charge will increase by five percent to £5.25 during off-peak hours and £10.50 at peak times.
How do drivers pay?
Most people who use the tunnels pay the toll via TfL Autopay, which you can register for here. You can add up to five vehicles per account, and it ensures that you always pay the lowest fare for your vehicle type and the time of day you are using the tunnels.
Other methods of payment include:
- Paying online here.
- Using the TfL Pay app
- Paying by phone on 0343 222 2222 (UK), 44 343 222 2222 (international) and 020 7649 9123 (Textphone)
What happens if drivers don’t pay the correct toll?
The penalty for non-payment is £180 but that’s reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks.
Are there still discounts for locals?
Yes, thousands of residents are still eligible for 25 percent to 100 percent off the standard toll charges at both peak and off-peak times.
To qualify, you need to live in Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or the City of London. You also have to be able to show that you’re in receipt of state benefits such as income support, universal credit, carer’s allowance or housing benefit. You can apply for the discount here.
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